In this October 8, 1969 photo, Nolan Ryan warms up at Shea Stadium. Ryan pitched for the Mets in their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.

In this October 8, 1969 photo, Nolan Ryan warms up at Shea Stadium. Ryan pitched for the Mets in their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.

Photo: John Duprey, New York Daily News

In this October 8, 1969 photo, Nolan Ryan warms up at Shea Stadium.... Photo-5866568.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 11 of 60

Under the eyes of New York Mets coaches Wes Stock and Rube Walker, a young Nolan Ryan displays his pitching talents in a Mets' training camp in St. Petersburg, Fla in 1968

Under the eyes of New York Mets coaches Wes Stock and Rube Walker, a young Nolan Ryan displays his pitching talents in a Mets' training camp in St. Petersburg, Fla in 1968

Photo: New York Daily News Archives

Under the eyes of New York Mets coaches Wes Stock and Rube Walker,... Photo-5866569.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 12 of 60

Nolan Ryan's World Series ring from the champion 1969

Nolan Ryan's World Series ring from the champion 1969

Photo: Kerwin Plevka, Houston Chronicle File Photo

Nolan Ryan's World Series ring from the champion 1969 Photo-5866570.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 13 of 60

In 1968, Ryan was 6-5 on June 23, but he didn't get another victory.

In 1968, Ryan was 6-5 on June 23, but he didn't get another victory.

Photo: Herb Scharfman, Sports Illustrated

In 1968, Ryan was 6-5 on June 23, but he didn't get another... Photo-5866571.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 14 of 60

Nolan Ryan is shown during a game against Los Angeles Dodgers in New York's Shea Stadium on April 19, 1968. Ryan struck out 11 Dodgers before being relieved in the eight inning. Even at age 21, the Texas was being compared to Walter Johnson and Bob Feller. less

Nolan Ryan is shown during a game against Los Angeles Dodgers in New York's Shea Stadium on April 19, 1968. Ryan struck out 11 Dodgers before being relieved in the eight inning. Even at age 21, the Texas was ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Nolan Ryan is shown during a game against Los Angeles Dodgers in... Photo-5866572.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 15 of 60

Nolan Ryan holding baseball when he set Mets team record striking out 14 Reds in 1968.

Nolan Ryan holding baseball when he set Mets team record striking out 14 Reds in 1968.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka, Houston Chronicle File

Nolan Ryan holding baseball when he set Mets team record striking... Photo-5866573.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 16 of 60

Nolan Ryan's Mets uniform when he was with the 1969 World Series champs is on display at the Nolan Ryan museum in Alvin.

Nolan Ryan's Mets uniform when he was with the 1969 World Series champs is on display at the Nolan Ryan museum in Alvin.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka, Houston Chronicle

Nolan Ryan's Mets uniform when he was with the 1969 World... Photo-5866574.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 17 of 60

December 10, 1971, Nolan Ryan was traded to the California Angels. He would spend the next years of his career with the Angels (1972-1979).

December 10, 1971, Nolan Ryan was traded to the California Angels. He would spend the next years of his career with the Angels (1972-1979).

Nolan Ryan tips his cap after striking out Oakland's Marty Perez and tieing Sandy Koufax's all-time major league record in 10-plus strikeout games of 97 in Anaheim, Calif., in this July 4, 1977 file photo.

Nolan Ryan tips his cap after striking out Oakland's Marty Perez and tieing Sandy Koufax's all-time major league record in 10-plus strikeout games of 97 in Anaheim, Calif., in this July 4, 1977 file photo.

Nolan Ryan is surrounded by teammates on June 1, 1975 as he leaves the field at Anaheim, Calif, after tossing a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. It was Ryan's fourth no-hitter of his major league career. less

Nolan Ryan is surrounded by teammates on June 1, 1975 as he leaves the field at Anaheim, Calif, after tossing a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. It was Ryan's fourth no-hitter of his major league ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Nolan Ryan is surrounded by teammates on June 1, 1975 as he leaves... Photo-5866578.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 22 of 60

California Angels' Nolan Ryan watches his pitch as he warms up in Detroit, in this May 25, 1977 photo.

California Angels' Nolan Ryan watches his pitch as he warms up in Detroit, in this May 25, 1977 photo.

Nolan Ryan sits with his grandchildren at a May 2013 press conference that introduced his son Reid as Astros president.

Nolan Ryan sits with his grandchildren at a May 2013 press conference that introduced his son Reid as Astros president.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Nolan Ryan sits with his grandchildren at a May 2013 press... Photo-5866600.62493 - NewsTimes

Image 51 of 60

Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan and his father and Astros Executive Advisor Nolan Ryan share a laugh at the newly revitalized youth baseball fields at Denver Harbor Park Saturday, April 5, 2014, in Houston. The new fields were brought back to life with the help of The Astros Foundation with support from the Occidental Petroleum Corporation. The Astros Community Leaders program is investing $18 million in city-owned public youth baseball and softball fields in disadvantaged areas of Houston over the course of five years.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan and his father and Astros Executive Advisor Nolan Ryan share a laugh at the newly revitalized youth baseball fields at Denver Harbor Park Saturday, April 5, ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, HC Staff

Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan and his father... Photo-8722146.62493 - NewsTimes

Former Astros pitcher and current executive advisor Nolan Ryan throws a ceremonial first pitch to Craig Biggio during the pre-game ceremony before the Houston Astros and New York Yankees opening day game at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) less

Former Astros pitcher and current executive advisor Nolan Ryan throws a ceremonial first pitch to Craig Biggio during the pre-game ceremony before the Houston Astros and New York Yankees opening day game at ... more

Former Houston Astros Craig Biggio, left, and Nolan Ryan wave to the crowd after Ryan threw out the first pitch to Biggio on opening night at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Former Houston Astros Craig Biggio, left, and Nolan Ryan wave to the crowd after Ryan threw out the first pitch to Biggio on opening night at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob ... more

Manvel's Brianna Turner (11) is presented with the MVP Award by baseball hall of famer Nolan Ryan during the UIL 5A state final girls basketball game between Manvel and Duncanville high schools on Sat., March 1, 2014 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX.
(Ashley Landis/Special contributor) less

Manvel's Brianna Turner (11) is presented with the MVP Award by baseball hall of famer Nolan Ryan during the UIL 5A state final girls basketball game between Manvel and Duncanville high schools on Sat., March ... more